..This study aimed to determine to what extent complex interventions are tested prior to a full-scale trial and whether more or different testing would have led to a different intervention being used in the trial...

Recruitment and retention in a multicentre randomised controlled trial in Bell's palsy: a case study

..To assess the accuracy of findings from the clinical history, symptoms, signs and diagnostic tests (ECG, CXR and natriuretic peptides) in relation to the diagnosis of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) in a primary care setting...

..Asthma is an example of a common, chronic illness in which clinicians are encouraged to promote concordance and adhere to guidelines. Some existing research suggests that these aims may be incompatible...

Whole population secondary prevention of coronary heart disease in Scotland: the HEARTS database

..Pre-echocardiography screening with electrocardiograms (ECGs) is recommended as a means of targeting this scarce resource. There are data to support this policy when ECGs are interpreted by cardiologists but not by GPs...

A critical re-appraisal of different ways of selecting ambulatory patients with suspected heart failure for echocardiography

..However, echocardiography also provides information about valvular disease and LVH. We assessed how good these screening tests are in identifying whether the subsequent echocardiogram will have any significant abnormality...

e-Prescribing, efficiency, quality: lessons from the computerization of UK family practice

..These features include electronic prescribing, improved quality and consistency of care, practice efficiencies that have both timesaving and revenue generating effects, and potential shielding from malpractice claims...

How will practices cope with information for the new GMS contract? Coronary heart disease data recording in five Scottish practices